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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsErik Prince, Blackwater Founder, Weighs Primary Challenge to Wyoming Republican
WASHINGTON Erik Prince, the founder of the security contractor Blackwater, is seriously considering a Republican primary challenge for a Senate seat in Wyoming, potentially adding a high-profile contender to a fledgling drive to oust establishment lawmakers with insurgents in the mold of President Trump.
Mr. Prince appears increasingly likely to challenge John Barrasso, a senior member of the Senate Republican leadership, according to people who have spoken to him in recent days. He has been urged to run next year by Stephen K. Bannon, who is leading the effort to shake up the Republican leadership with financial backing from the New York hedge fund billionaire Robert Mercer and his daughter Rebekah.
Over the weekend, Mr. Prince traveled to Wyoming with his family to explore ways to establish residency there, said one person who had spoken to him.
If he runs, Mr. Prince would face formidable obstacles in seeking to unseat Mr. Barrasso, a popular and genial but low-profile senator who will have the full backing of Senator Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, and the well-funded political committees loyal to him. Mr. Prince, who has never run for public office, has been a controversial figure for years, as Blackwater faced a welter of ethical and legal problems over its work for the military in places like Iraq, including an episode in 2007 in which its employees killed 17 civilians in Baghdad.
Mr. Prince appears increasingly likely to challenge John Barrasso, a senior member of the Senate Republican leadership, according to people who have spoken to him in recent days. He has been urged to run next year by Stephen K. Bannon, who is leading the effort to shake up the Republican leadership with financial backing from the New York hedge fund billionaire Robert Mercer and his daughter Rebekah.
Over the weekend, Mr. Prince traveled to Wyoming with his family to explore ways to establish residency there, said one person who had spoken to him.
If he runs, Mr. Prince would face formidable obstacles in seeking to unseat Mr. Barrasso, a popular and genial but low-profile senator who will have the full backing of Senator Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, and the well-funded political committees loyal to him. Mr. Prince, who has never run for public office, has been a controversial figure for years, as Blackwater faced a welter of ethical and legal problems over its work for the military in places like Iraq, including an episode in 2007 in which its employees killed 17 civilians in Baghdad.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/08/us/politics/erik-prince-blackwater-wyoming-senate.html
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Erik Prince, Blackwater Founder, Weighs Primary Challenge to Wyoming Republican (Original Post)
spanone
Oct 2017
OP
hlthe2b
(102,276 posts)1. Barrasso is despicable, but I surely don't want this cretin in the Senate.
Will WY ever wake up?
Chasstev365
(5,191 posts)2. A sociopath and Christian zealot
I'm sure Jesus would approve of his paramilitary outfit killing innocent Iraqis in Iraq and African Americans during Katrina.
oasis
(49,386 posts)3. If GOP donors screw up tons of money on these two scumbags,
so much the better. A national spotlight on the past evil doings of both is another plus.
AJT
(5,240 posts)4. He doesn't need money....
oasis
(49,386 posts)5. I presume both will have to buy tv ads for a primary.
Response to oasis (Reply #3)
Golden Raisin This message was self-deleted by its author.
Golden Raisin
(4,608 posts)8. He and his sister (Betsy DeVos) have tons of money.
They ARE super-wealthy, "elite" Republican donors. Worth billions and both scary as sh*t.
oasis
(49,386 posts)9. A national spotlight on a primary battle will expose them to
the American public. That would be a good thing. Imagine endless, vicious attack ads between Barrassco and Prince.
Added bonus: The DeVos cabal picks up the tab.
Initech
(100,075 posts)7. Oh god do not give that man a platform in the senate.